Female ADHD Symptoms
Females who have ADHD are often not diagnosed as children, because the disorder manifests differently in girls than it does in boys. Adult women may have the inattentive type of ADHD or combined inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.
These individuals are also more likely to develop unhealthy coping strategies that include excessive drinking and drug abuse that mask ADHD symptoms and hinders an accurate diagnosis. These individuals are also prone to co-existing conditions like anxiety and depression.
Attention
Women with inattention ADHD may have difficulty to keep up with their daily routines, schoolwork and jobs. They may skip appointments or leave things around the house unattended. They are unable to keep their finances in order chores at home, their record-keeping and household chores. They are also more likely to forget names and dates, and suffer from memory problems. These women also have difficulty staying still for long periods and aren't able to concentrate or follow directions.
While hyperactivity and impulsivity are more commonly associated with boys and men but the subtype of inattention ADHD is equally prevalent in girls and women. Up to 80 percent of ADHD sufferers are considered inattentive. To be eligible for a diagnosis, you must show at least five ongoing inattention-related symptoms that last longer than six months.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms can be difficult for people to identify because they don't see them as a disorder, or have different expectations of how a girl should behave. Because of this, parents and teachers are less likely to recommend ADHD assessments for girls than they are for boys.
In addition, the manner that ADHD affects women is different at different times of her life because of hormone changes. Women's symptoms can worsen when they are pregnant, menstruating or menopause.
These symptoms can have a significant impact on women's self-esteem and life satisfaction. They can cause feelings of shame and low self-worth because they make it difficult to manage relationships, work and household tasks. Women who are not treated for ADHD might also suffer from anxiety and depression. They may also engage in sexual behavior that increase the risk of pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases and other health issues. They may also be afflicted by rejection sensitivity because they have difficulty accepting real or perceived negative responses from other people. They may avoid social interactions or even isolate themselves because of it.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
In many cases the two are the first symptoms of ADHD for women and girls. They might procrastinate more than usual, lose items or have difficulty concentrating. They may also be overwhelmed by busy environments. signs of adult add may also have a hard time relaxing or falling asleep and are more prone to mood fluctuations and anxiety. These symptoms can lead to issues at home, school and in relationships.
Women and girls are often not considered for diagnosis of ADHD because the symptoms are more common for both genders. Healthcare providers and teachers often don't suggest ADHD evaluations for female students or colleagues as often as they do for males. This can lead both to an inaccurate diagnosis and a delay in treatment.
This, along with the tendency to conceal their problems, could result in adults with ADHD have a more significant impact than is typically reported. For instance, they may not be able to pinpoint a problem with concentration at work or being overwhelmed by household chores. They may have difficulty making choices at the store or have trouble to relax or sleep.
This can negatively impact their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the root problem, they may adopt unhealthy ways of coping. This may include substance abuse or poor eating habits. This can make it worse over time, and may prevent the woman from receiving the assistance she requires.
It is also possible that because ADHD-linked behaviors are more acceptable in the social context of males and girls, they may be suppressed or hid by girls and women who are worried about being ostracized. For instance, girls with ADHD might display hyperactive and impulsive behaviors to avoid being criticized because they don't fit in with the norms at school or community.
In the end, these issues can create a vicious cycle of confusion and frustration for women with ADHD. Families as well as friends and teachers must be aware of the struggles, as they may be indicators of a disorder that is not being diagnosed. This condition can be treated through therapy and medication.
Emotional Troubles
Women who suffer from ADHD often find it more difficult than men to manage their emotions. The mood is more likely to fluctuate throughout the day because of hormonal changes. This can cause symptoms such as irritability and a feeling of inadequacy. Women with ADHD also are more prone to depression and anxiety. These emotional issues could have a significant impact on careers and relationships.
Being diagnosed with signs of adhd in adults can be a slog for parents and children alike however it can be particularly difficult for women. Women can be ashamed of ADHD and may not seek help because of this. Some women try to hide their symptoms using coping strategies like excessive drinking or substance abuse, but this can make the situation more difficult. Masking can make it difficult for teachers and employers and women themselves, to identify ADHD symptoms. It can also delay the diagnosis.
A woman suffering from ADHD may be able manage to hide her symptoms throughout her youth and adolescence, but it's more challenging when she's an adult. The stress of everyday life, coupled with social pressures to be successful in work and relationships, can cause ADHD symptoms. These challenges can result in women suffering from ADHD feeling like they are failing and low self-esteem. They can also cause chronic distress. The diagnosis of ADHD may be a life-changing moment for certain women. It can help them understand the root of their difficulties and help them to accept themselves better.
Many women with ADHD have difficulty finding support at school or at work. They may feel embarrassed about telling a professor or supervisor, and they may worry that the accommodation they need is perceived as an act of weakness or incompetence. However, most supervisors and instructors are willing to make small adjustments to help people with ADHD to excel in their roles.
Women suffering from ADHD who are looking for supportive peers can also benefit by joining online support groups. These groups give members the an opportunity to share stories and discuss women's ADHD difficulties.
Co-occurring Conditions
As girls and women grow up, they can develop coping mechanisms that mask their ADHD symptoms and make it harder for others to see. Girls may dress and behave like her peers to avoid being criticized or bullied by other people. Or, she may try to redress her impulsive and chaotic behavior by working harder at work or school or using productivity apps to get her tasks accomplished. These and other coping strategies can disguise the existence of ADHD in a female and delay her adult diagnosis.
Women and girls with ADHD are often diagnosed with anxiety or depression before they receive an official diagnosis. These other disorders can disguise the presence of ADHD and hinder treatment and recovery.
Girls and females with ADHD also have a higher risk of feeling low about themselves and are more likely to be afflicted by co-existing mood disorders than boys or men. They can be misunderstood and dismissed as being temperamental or overly emotional, which increases their angst.
In addition there are women who have issues in their relationships due to ADHD symptoms. They are more likely than men to forget birthdays and make mistakes with small details. This can lead to miscommunication and conflict. They also may be struggling to manage housework, personal finances and other responsibilities of daily life. These difficulties can cause them to feel overwhelmed and exhausted and can create an internal shambles of untrue beliefs about their worth and capability.
In clinical settings, gender bias also affects the number of referrals for ADHD evaluations. In one study, Ohan and Visser (2009) asked teachers and parents in the classroom to read vignettes about children with ADHD symptoms, and then rate how likely they would be to recommend or seek out services for the child portrayed. They found that the respondents were more likely to recommend services to boys than girls.
ADHD like other disorders, can vary in severity and deteriorate at various times. For instance, symptoms may be more severe during a woman's menstrual cycle or during menopausal pregnancy. These changes can cause difficulties with social functioning, relationships, and academic performance. They can also contribute to feelings of disappointment and despair.